Old and new stumps ground below the surface so you can reseed, plant, or build. Free estimates, and often done the same visit as tree removal.
A tree is gone, but the stump is still there. Stumps get in the way of mowing, trip people, sprout new shoots, attract carpenter ants and other insects, and make it hard to use that part of the yard. They can also take years, sometimes decades, to rot away on their own.
Stump grinding is the fastest and most common way to get rid of them. This page explains how it works, what it costs in Litchfield County, and what to expect after the stump is gone.
Stump grinding vs. stump removal
Stump grinding
A stump grinder uses a spinning cutting wheel with carbide teeth to chew the stump into wood chips, usually to several inches below the soil. The roots stay in the ground and slowly decay. This is the most common, least disruptive, and least expensive option.
Full stump removal
The whole stump and the main root ball are dug out, usually with an excavator. It leaves a large hole and disturbs much more of the yard, so it’s mostly done when you’re building something in that exact spot, like an addition, a patio, a driveway, or a foundation.
For most homeowners, grinding is the right choice.
How stump grinding works
- Locate utilities. Before grinding, underground utilities need to be marked through Call Before You Dig. Irrigation lines, invisible dog fences, and septic components should also be pointed out.
- Clear the area. Rocks around the stump are removed where possible, because they damage grinder teeth. That’s a real concern in Litchfield County, where many stumps sit among fieldstone and old wall rubble.
- Grind. The grinder works back and forth across the stump and the large surface roots until it’s below grade.
- Clean up. The grindings (a mix of wood chips and soil) are either left in the hole, raked out, or hauled away.
- Restore. Fill the hole with topsoil, let it settle, and reseed or plant.
Access matters
Stump grinders come in different sizes. Smaller machines fit through a 36-inch gate and are gentle on lawns. Larger machines work faster on big stumps. Steep slopes, stone walls, and tight backyards are common here, so tell the crew about access ahead of time.
How deep do they grind?
A typical grind goes about 6 to 12 inches below the surface, which is enough for grass and most plantings. If you plan to plant a new tree in the same spot, or build there, ask for a deeper grind or full removal. Remember that the old roots will take time to decay, so planting a new tree slightly off to one side usually works better.
Stump grinding costs
Prices depend mostly on the diameter of the stump, measured across the widest part at ground level, and on access and the number of stumps.
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Small stump (under about 12 inches) | often around $100 to $200 |
| Medium stump (12 to 24 inches) | roughly $150 to $350 |
| Large stump (24 inches and up) | roughly $300 to $700 or more |
| Several stumps in one visit | usually a lower price per stump |
Grinding at the same visit as tree removal is usually cheaper than bringing the machine back later. Hauling away the grindings, grinding surface roots, rocky sites, and hard-to-reach stumps can add to the price.
What to do after stump grinding
- Use or remove the grindings. They can be spread as mulch in beds, but they’re not ideal as a planting soil because wood chips tie up nitrogen as they break down.
- Fill with topsoil. Pack in good topsoil, leaving it slightly mounded because it will settle.
- Seed or sod. Grass seed does best in spring or early fall in Connecticut.
- Expect a little settling. As buried roots decay, the area may sink slightly over the next year or two. Top it off as needed.
- Watch for sprouts. Some species, like black locust, poplar, and some maples, can send up root sprouts. Mow or clip them and they’ll usually stop.
Should you leave a stump?
Sometimes a stump is fine to leave, like at the edge of the woods, where it will become habitat and slowly rot. But stumps near the house can attract carpenter ants and termites, and stumps in the lawn are a mowing hazard and an eyesore. Most homeowners grind stumps in any part of the yard they actually use.
Frequently asked questions
Will stump grinding damage my lawn?
There’s some disturbance around the stump, and the machine leaves tracks on soft ground. Good crews use smaller machines or mats on lawns and try to schedule when the ground is firm.
Can you grind stumps next to a house, fence, or wall?
Usually yes, with care. Stumps right against foundations, stone walls, or patios may need hand work or a smaller grinder. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Do I need to be home?
Not always. As long as the crew knows which stumps to grind and the utilities are marked, many jobs can be done while you’re at work.
How long does it take?
Most stumps take 15 minutes to an hour, depending on size. A yard full of stumps can take most of a day.
What about the roots?
The large surface roots near the stump are ground along with it. Deeper roots are left in place and decay over time.
Get a free stump grinding estimate
Call or send the form with the number of stumps and their rough size, and a local crew will give you a price. We serve all of Litchfield County, including Torrington, New Milford, Litchfield, Watertown, Winsted, and nearby towns. Still have the tree? See tree removal.